278: Why Private Credit Is the Future of Government Contracting Finance
Episode description
In today’s episode of Govcon Giants, I’m joined by Joel, founder of Encore Funding—an alternative lending powerhouse that’s now stepping into the government contracting space. We talk real talk about capital: how hard it is to come by as a small, minority-owned business, and how traditional lenders often leave us behind. Joel shares how he bootstrapped his first venture back in 1998, and how Encore has now funded over half a billion dollars just for minority-owned businesses in 2024 alone. This is game-changing, especially for folks trying to scale in federal contracting without the cash flow headaches.
We dig deep into how private lending works, the evolving world of alternative credit, and how Encore is creatively funding not just operations—but acquisitions. Joel also drops knowledge on staying in founder's mode, being laser-focused, and the true power of surrounding yourself with a rockstar team. Whether you’re already in GovCon or looking to break in, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about growing with the right financial partner behind them.
Joel Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-adelman-cleveland/
Encore Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/encore-funding/
Website: https://www.encore-funding.com/
Govcon Coaching: https://www.govconcoaching.com/home63196883